SANTA ANA, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 30, 2012) - Morpho Detection, Inc., the explosives and narcotics detection business of Morpho, Safran group's security unit, today announced the opening of a new research and development (R&D) center in Santa Ana, California.

Dedicated to the development and testing of next-generation detection technologies, Morpho Detection's new Santa Ana facility will focus on the application of advanced Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Quadrupole Resonance technologies for the quick and accurate detection of current and emerging threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and liquid, aerosols and gel (LAG)-based explosives.

Morpho Detection's new Santa Ana facility brings together under one roof the Morpho Detection Mass Spectrometry Center of Excellence formerly located in Tustin, California and the Morpho Detection Quantum Magnetics Center of Excellence formerly located in San Diego. Both technologies have the potential to bring new efficiencies to the passenger screening process and eliminate major passenger irritants including shoe removal, carry-on liquids restrictions and invasive pat downs.

"Morpho Detection is excited to continue our decades-long work developing advanced detection technologies in the U.S.," said Brad Buswell, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. "By combining two cutting-edge technologies in one location and utilizing Morpho Detection's more than 20 years experience developing and deploying explosives detection solutions, this facility will serve as a hub for innovation. As a result, future passenger checkpoint, military and critical infrastructure explosives detection solutions will be developed in Orange County."

Commenting on the new facility, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) said: "As a member of the Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, I know firsthand that using the best new technologies will enable our men and women to protect our borders and national security in a more effective manner, while also facilitating an ease of travel for passengers, Orange County is a center of innovation, and I am pleased to learn that Morpho Detection's new Research and Development Center for Advanced Explosives Detection Technologies will call it home."

About Morpho Detection, Inc.Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, a security business of the Safran group ( PARIS : SAF ), is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection systems for government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations. Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography, Raman spectroscopy, trace (ITMS™), mass spectrometry, X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. Morpho Detection's solutions are deployed to help protect people and property the world over.